Relax. Stretch. Focus. | Lava Yoga Topeka
By CORINN GUEMMER | Photos by JOHN BURNS
In 2012, sisters Leigh Granada and Beth Diehl decided to bring something different to Topeka’s fitness scene: hot yoga.
As personal trainers, they loved helping people reach their fitness goals but wanted to do it on a larger scale. Hot yoga felt like the perfect addition, not only for their clients but for their own routines.
“We knew running and weightlifting were only part of the picture,” Beth said. “When I tried my first hot yoga class while training for an Ironman in Arizona, I knew it was something special.”
Leigh agreed and the two jumped headfirst into the idea. “We had tried other yoga classes, but nothing really clicked for us,” Leigh said. “We used to run around Lake Shawnee in the middle of summer, then hop in the car and keep the windows up and the AC off just to build up a great sweat. When we experienced hot yoga, we knew it was something that we could easily add into our routines.”
After completing a month-long, 200-hour hot yoga teacher training in California, the sisters returned to Kansas, ready to open their studio.
MELTING AWAY STRESS
By January 2013, Lava Yoga was open for business. From that very first class, the response was overwhelming.
“We were so nervous,” Beth said. “We hoped some of our personal training clients would come, but we were shocked to see so many new faces on the first day!”
Twelve years later, Lava Yoga has become a fixture in Topeka and expanded to a second location in Lawrence, now led by instructor Carrie Mandigo.
The studios have cultivated a loyal following of students from all walks of life. They offer classes every day of the year — even on holidays.
From the start, Leigh and Beth wanted Lava Yoga to be a welcoming space.
“We don’t have levels in our classes,” Beth explained. “Beginners and experienced yogis practice together. Everyone learns at their own pace.”
The heat, central to their classes, is one of the many features that sets Lava Yoga apart. The studio specializes in heated practices for most of its offerings, using warmth to help students relax, stretch deeply and focus on the moment.
“We want students to feel better when they leave than when they walked in,” Leigh said.
New students are welcomed with extra care. When someone is attending their first class, teachers take time to explain how the sessions work, from warm-ups to water breaks.
“We make it clear that it’s okay to take extra breaks or modify poses. Even seasoned yogis sometimes spend an entire class resting in savasana,” Beth said, referring to the restful yoga pose in which a person simply lies flat on the mat. “We want everyone to feel comfortable.”
Lava Yoga’s sense of community, she added, is fostered by the students themselves.
“When someone new comes in and feels a little anxious, there’s always another student who steps in to offer encouragement,” Beth said. “It’s amazing to see those connections form.”
Another feature that sets Lava Yoga apart from other studios is its consistency. They’ve kept the same class schedule and core group of teachers for years and students appreciate knowing exactly what to expect.
“It makes it easier for people to stick with yoga as part of their routine,” Leigh said. “That’s when you start to notice the real benefits.”
Hot yoga offers unique benefits. Physically, the heat allows muscles to relax, enabling deeper stretches and improved flexibility. It also boosts circulation, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the skin and muscles.
“One of the biggest changes we notice is how people’s skin glows after just a few classes,” Beth said.
For many, the mental benefits are just as significant. Hot yoga is a chance to step away from life’s stress and focus on breathing and movement.
“It’s hard for people to quiet their minds in today’s world,” Beth said. “But in our studio, with the heat and the quiet, you’re given a break from all the noise.”
The sisters hope every student leaves class feeling refreshed and accomplished, even if they didn’t know what they needed when they arrived.
THE HEAT IS ON
Running a yoga studio hasn’t been without its hurdles. Leigh and Beth both admit they’re more people-focused than business-minded, which made the early days a learning experience.
Leigh manages the bookkeeping and bill paying, while Beth keeps the studio’s equipment running — particularly the humidifier, which can be temperamental.
“We joke that it’s a beast to keep running, but it’s worth it,” Beth said.
Their ability to balance each other’s strengths has been key to their success.
“We talk daily and make most decisions together,” Leigh said. “It helps that our strengths complement each other rather than compete.”
The sisters’ favorite memories are of when they’re simply laughing together, whether over a funny mistake in class or the ups and downs of studio ownership. “We’ve had so much fun figuring this out together,” Beth said.
STOKING THE FLAMES
Over the years, Leigh and Beth have added new and different offerings to Lava Yoga’s line-up. They recently added a sound bath class led by Monica Fowler, which focuses on self-regulation.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our studio a more well-rounded place,” Leigh said. “These additions have been really popular with our students.”
At its core, Lava Yoga remains a place where students can feel safe and supported.
“As teachers, we’re just here to hold space for people,” Beth said. “There’s no right or wrong way to do yoga. It’s about learning to accept yourself and others.”
As they approach their 12th anniversary, Leigh and Beth say they’re grateful for the journey they’ve shared.
“We feel so fortunate to be part of this amazing community,” Beth said. “We couldn’t have done this without our teachers and students.”
The sisters are excited to keep growing Lava Yoga while staying true to its roots.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” Leigh said. “We can’t wait to see where the next 12 years take us.”
